CH 150

"You can use it to propel yourself rapidly through the water by holding on to your wand, very tightly," she explained. "No. The Aquamenti charm. That'd be better. The banishing charm will give you a mighty jolt. The water charm, however..."

"Can issue a continuous stream that will work as a water jet underwater providing you continuous propulsion," finished Daphne. "Clever. You'd have to hold tightly onto your wand, though."

"Something I'm used to," mused Harry. "It'll stand me in good practice for the Priori Incantatem effect in the graveyard.

"Which reminds me; we still need to see about our second wands. I'm going to need it for the graveyard. I intend to use it to wound Riddle while holding the effect with my primary wand."

"Next time we can get to Diagon with Father, we'll organise them then," promised Daphne. "Father knows the place we need to visit."

"In the meantime," Harry said, rising from the couch. "Dinner."

During the early afternoon of the very next day, Harry received a summons to attend a meeting with Madam Bones in the Entrance Hall. It was delivered by a house elf.

Looking at the note, written in Professor McGonagall's hand, Harry then looked at his bondmates and said, "Well, it appears that little speech I gave as a response to Dumbledore about how I was most unhappy with the Heirs of allied Houses has started to bear fruit. Madam Bones and party await me for an urgent meeting in the Entrance Hall."

Both girls looked back from where they sat on the couch opposite with almost matching grins. "Well," began Daphne. "We'd best not keep them waiting."

The three made their way down to the Entrance Hall where they were met with a veritable who's who of the Wizengamot and leading members of the Ministry. Front and centre stood Madam Bones. A look at all their faces showed consternation, trepidation, confusion and not a little amount of fear. Dumbledore and McGonagall also stood with them.

As the three made their way down the final steps Dumbledore was about to say something when he was cut off by Matthias as he and Candice Greengrass stepped to the front, around Madam Bones, to welcome them.

"Hi kids," he said, by way of informal greeting.

Harry stepped forward and shook the man's hand as one man to another. "Matthias, good to see you," he said, before turning to Deece and lightly kissing the back of her hand. "Deece, always a pleasure."

Getting Harry's attention, Matthias called, "Harry?" When Harry looked over, he continued, "These people are here because they heard something that quite disturbs them regarding the status of the alliances of House Potter. They wonder if they may have a few words with you."

"Of course," replied Harry, straightening up. "Shall we go to the conference room on the second floor?"

He turned to Dumbledore and asked, "Headmaster? May we borrow the conference room on the second floor? I believe these people will want to speak with me in private."

"Of course, Harry," replied the Headmaster, twinkling. "I'll lead the way, shall I?"

"That's alright, Headmaster," Harry quickly replied. "As you well remember, I know the way."

Knowing he was just effectively told his presence was not wanted, Dumbledore tried, "Now, Harry; as your magical guardian..."

"Stop right there, Headmaster Dumbledore," Harry firmly cut in. "As you well know, I am both emancipated and you were never, rightfully, my magical guardian. You will cease and desist perpetuating that nonsense immediately; alright?"

Instead of arguing, an expression of great anger flitted across the old man's face before his expression switched back to his usual kindly grandfather mien. "Of course, Harry," he calmly said. "I'll escort you to the room and ensure it is ready for your party."

As soon as everyone filed in, Harry turned to Dumbledore and firmly asked, "This is a meeting between allied Houses, Headmaster. Is there an existing formal alliance between the Houses of Potter and Dumbledore?"

With a frown, Dumbledore replied, "Not as such, Mister Potter. However, the House of Dumbledore and House of Potter have both been strongly for the Light for many, many years..."

"With no existing alliance between House Potter and House Dumbledore, Headmaster," Harry interrupted, "I'll have to ask you to step outside. This is House business; I'm sure you understand."

With another micro-expression of great anger flitting across his face, Dumbledore puffed himself up and said, "Come now, Harry..."

Madam Bones then interrupted and almost barked at Dumbledore, "He's right, Dumbledore. Get out."

"Now, Amelia..." he tried, turning to the stern witch.

"Don't 'now, Amelia' me, Albus. Get out," she said. With as much dignity as he could muster, and without a word, Dumbledore turned about and left the room.

Harry made sure the door was firmly closed. As Madam Bones was about to open her mouth to begin to speak, Harry held up his hand in a stop gesture. He drew his wand and began to cast about.

Recognising the detection spells Harry was using, the stern witch's unmonocled eye widened before she drew her own wand and began to cast about.

"What're you doing?" one of the others irritably asked.

"They're casting detection spells..." began Matthias before Madam Bones suddenly said, "Got one!" Her wand was pointing at the wall next to the door. "A listening charm." A moment later, she said, "Nice try, Dumbledore."

Outside, Dumbledore stood looking a little distracted for a few moments before his face took on an expression of consternation and frustration. He stalked away.

Inside, after a few moments Harry said, "I think that was the only one."

Madam Bones cast about for a little longer before she said, "Agreed."

Harry asked, "Wards?"

"Wards," she replied, and began casting again.

Harry turned to the door and cast a Colloportus door-sealing charm on it before then casting an Impervious charm on it and the surrounding walls.

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